In the aftermath of Fabio Capello’s shock resignation as England manager on Wednesday, attention has already turned to the search for the next man to take on the so-called “impossible job”.
Potential candidates likely to feature on the FA’s shortlist (all odds from William Hill):
Harry Redknapp
The Spurs boss is the frontrunner for the job after being widely tipped to replace Capello for several months.
Redknapp has never hidden his desire to coach England and, while it was originally thought he would have to wait until after Euro 2012 – when the Italian was due to step down, he might get his wish earlier than expected.
The Englishman’s chances were greatly boosted when he was cleared of charges of tax fraud just hours before Capello’s resignation.
Odds: 8/15
Roy Hodgson
After managing Switzerland and Finland, the West Bromwich Albion boss has plenty of international experience and his spells at Inter Milan and Liverpool have given him an insight into the tricky demands of dealing with top stars.
Earned great respect for his work at Fulham, where he led the unfashionable club to the Europa League final in 2010, and would fit the FA’s desire for a statesman-like figure.
However, his failure to last even a season at Liverpool is a black mark and he doesn’t have the charismatic personality of Redknapp or Jose Mourinho.
Odds: 8/1
Jose Mourinho
The ‘Special One’ has remained a firm admirer of English football since leaving Chelsea in 2007 and sources close to the Real Madrid boss say he is keen to return to England soon.
Unlike Capello, the Portuguese speaks perfect English and his strong personality would allow him to control the egos in the England dressing room.
His CV – which includes Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan and league titles in England, Italy and Portugal – is beyond compare. The only question is would the FA be willing to deal with his occasional controversial outbursts?
Odds: 12/1
Alan Pardew
Just two years ago, Pardew was licking his wounds after being sacked as boss of League One club Southampton. Now he finds himself in the running to manage his country.
While Pardew might be an outsider in the race to replace Capello, the 50-year-old’s impressive work in difficult circumstances at Newcastle should have earned a few admiring glances at FA headquarters.
Despite the sale of his star striker Andy Carroll, former Charlton and West Ham boss Pardew kept Newcastle in the Premier League last season and now sit fifth on the table with a push for a Champions League place within their sights.
Odds: 12/1
Guus Hiddink
Spells in charge of Holland, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Turkey give the 65-year-old Dutchman a wealth of international experience that would be attractive to any country looking for a new boss.
Hiddink is said to have already expressed an interest in the England job and he knows several key players including John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard from his spell as Chelsea interim manager in 2009.
Regarded as one of the most tactically astute coaches in world football, Hiddink would be a safe pair of hands, but his recent flop with Turkey could count against him.
Odds: 20/1
